Turkey opens new LNG terminal

French energy company ENGIE says it's playing a role in Turkish
energy security through liquefied natural gas. Photo by Hanna Noori/UPI

| License Photo

French energy
company ENGIE said it was building its European footprint in the
liquefied natural gas market with the opening of a new terminal in
Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
was on hand for the inauguration of the ETKI terminal for the loading
of liquefied natural gas. The French company said it was tasked with
delivering a fast-track floating regasification unit so that product can
be delivered to the Turkish market in gaseous form.

"The new ETKI LNG terminal will be a key
contributor to Turkey's natural gas security of supply, especially in
the winter period," the French company said. "It will complement
Turkey's two existing onshore LNG terminals, thus enhancing the
country's diversification of gas import structures as well as supply
sources."

According to the Turkish government, the country is second only to China
when it comes to demand for natural gas. The country is dependent on
imports to meet its demand as 25 percent of its natural gas needs are
met by domestic resources.

Turkey, meanwhile, aims to serve as an energy
bridge between Central Asian suppliers and European markets, with
several inland and offshore pipelines in various stages of development.
Liquefied natural gas, however, offers more diversity
because it's less exposed to geopolitical issues. Russia, for example,
has cut gas supplies for Europe in the past because of spats with
Ukraine.

ENGIE said it was opening a trading office in Turkey. The company boasted that it's the main importer of LNG for the European market with 12 carriers in its fleet.